Ep 448: Recommend me a thriller, but make it literary
Oct 1, 2024
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Megan Reilly, a theater designer and college professor, shares her love for reading as a stress management tool. She and the host dive into the theme of haunting literature and how certain books linger in the mind. They explore intelligent thrillers that challenge the boundaries of suspense while discussing emotionally impactful narratives like 'God of the Woods' and 'All the Colors of the Dark.' Megan also reflects on her experiences with reading challenges, balancing professional life with her passion for literature, and the importance of character depth in thrillers.
Embracing one's dorkiness can foster connections and joy, as engaging passionately with interests enriches both community and personal life.
The discussion emphasizes that personal growth and initiating new habits can occur anytime, illustrated through the book 'Don't Overthink It' to promote joy.
Literary thrillers blending psychological depth with mystery encourage profound discussions about human experience and challenge traditional narrative structures.
Deep dives
The Joy of Dorkiness
Embracing dorkiness can lead to enjoyable experiences and fulfilling hobbies. The discussion highlights how engaging with one’s interests passionately, even if deemed dorky, fosters a sense of fun and community. It serves as a reminder that individual quirks can often bring joy and build connections with like-minded people. This realization stems from experiences in college, suggesting that accepting one’s dorky side can enrich adult life.
Breaking the Overthinking Habit
The book 'Don't Overthink It' is emphasized as a resource that encourages readers to make easier decisions and cultivate joy in their lives. It addresses the notion that habits or goals can be initiated at any time, not just on New Year's Day. This perspective suggests a valuable lesson about self-improvement and the importance of taking initiative in everyday life. The focus is on implementing life's small, manageable changes that can make a difference.
Reading Challenges and Their Impact
The PopSugar Reading Challenge serves as a catalyst for diverse reading habits, pushing participants to read outside their comfort zones. Participants often find joy in checking off books that fit specific prompts, which fosters a greater variety in reading selections. While challenges can be fun, they can also create pressure, particularly when readers encounter prompts that don’t match their desired choices. Ultimately, these challenges can spark a renewed passion for reading and help rediscover the joys of literature.
The Haunting Nature of Books
Books that leave a lasting impression often delve into deeper psychological and emotional themes, captivating readers long after reading. The idea is represented through personal anecdotes about literature that resonates, showcasing a preference for stories with ambiguity and unresolved endings. These haunting narratives encourage readers to reflect on their messages and implications, often making the reading experience feel more profound. Such pieces provide not just entertainment but also fuel for ongoing contemplation about human nature.
The Search for Literary Thrillers
There is a keen interest in discovering more literary thrillers that blend mystery with psychological depth, inviting deeper discussions about human experience. The appreciation for this genre highlights a desire for stories that may challenge typical narrative structures and provoke thought. Books like 'God of the Woods' and others represent a yearning for literary quality married to engaging plotlines. This search illustrates a passion for literature that addresses significant themes while keeping readers guessing and invested in the outcome.
This fall, we were excited to hear from you about the books that haunt you. and today's guest sent in a submission that caught everyone on our team's eye. We loved her interpretation of this theme.
Today, Megan Reilly is joining Anne to talk about the books that linger in your brain for years. Megan is a professional theater designer and a college professor who lives in Madison, Wisconsin. She loves to travel and spend time outdoors, and reading is both a beloved hobby and a stress management technique.
Megan and Anne talk about a range of topics today, from reading challenge addiction to intelligent thrillers that aren't afraid to go dark. They also dive into that topic of haunting books, exploring what that means to Megan and which titles she may find captivating for her upcoming season of reading.
Fall is a season full of new beginning energy, and it's a great time to remember that you can start a new habit or set a new goal any time you want. If you're looking for a fresh start, check out Anne's book Don’t Overthink It. It's full of ideas to help you make easier decisions, stop second-guessing, and bring more joy to your life. Check your library or pick up your own copy at your local independent bookstore or wherever you buy books online, including our Modern Mrs Darcy shop.